Swissport International AG (Swissport) said it achieved strong volume growth on the back of the sustained recovery in global air traffic and trade in 2023.

The Group handled 3.9 million flights, up 15.3%  from the 3.3 million in 2022.

In the air cargo segment, Swissport handled 4.7 million metric tons of freight, slightly lower than the 4.8 million recorded in 2022.

"Swissport International AG,  the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, last year realized strong volume growth and further ramped up its operations post-pandemic travel demand continued to surge," the airport ground services and air cargo handler said.

"After the bumpy return of global air traffic to normal operations in 2022, Swissport in 2023 has delivered the reliable, clockwork-type ground operations airlines seek," said Warwick Brady, president and CEO of Swissport International AG.

"As the global market leader — present at more airports than any other ground handler — we were able to swiftly rebuild our teams to some 60,000 people globally, who now again provide airlines with the operating environment and services required for them to confidently and safely expand their flight schedules," he added.

In the ground services segment, which includes services like check-in and gate, ground movement of aircraft, baggage handling and aircraft de-icing, the number of flights handled increased to 3.9 million (2022: 3.3 million).

Wage inflation, rising interest rates and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue to negatively impact global business and consumer confidence.

Swissport said despite these uncertainties, it handled a solid 4.7 million metric tons of freight in 2023 after 4.8 million tons in the prior year. 

"For 2024, we have high ambitions. We are working with our airline customers to jointly take our partnerships to the next level and deliver the best travel experience in the market," Brady said.

Swissport will also continue to invest in product and service innovations.

It said that as one key commitment, Swissport will further increase the share of electrically powered vehicles in its fleet to at least 55% by 2032.

"Longer term, we are committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by latest 2050," Brady added.